tioman or redang?
Both are east-coast marine park islands that open from March to October, so they compete for the same school holiday. Redang is the white-sand resort island you fly towards, while Tioman is a much bigger jungle island you reach by ferry from Mersing, with more to do on land.
tioman
Dear group chat,Jungle-backed beaches, a ferry from Mersing and some of the best diving on the east coast.Read the guide →To: whoever’s drivingTiomanMY, Pahang
redang island
Dear group chat,Clear blue water, soft white sand and snorkelling trips in the marine park.Read the guide →To: whoever’s drivingRedang IslandMY, Terengganu
- From KL
- tiomanAbout 280 km
- redangAbout 330 km
- Best months
- tiomanMar–Oct
- redangMar–Oct
- Vibe
- tiomanBig jungle island with quiet village bays
- redangResort island built around one main beach
- Beaches
- tiomanVillage bays backed by jungle
- redangSoft white sand and very clear water
- In the water
- tiomanReefs, wrecks and marine park islets
- redangSnorkelling trips around the marine park islands
- Getting there
- tiomanDrive to Mersing, then a 1.5–2 hour ferry
- redangFly to Kuala Terengganu, then about an hour by boat
- On land
- tiomanA cross-island trek, waterfalls, duty-free shops
- redangMostly the beach and your resort
- Best for
- tiomanDivers, hikers and independent travellers
- redangPackage trips for couples and families
Go tioman if…
- you'd rather drive to the jetty than fly
- you want jungle treks and waterfalls as well as the sea
- you're a diver who wants wrecks and plenty of sites
- you'd like to choose your own village, from Salang to quiet Juara
Go redang if…
- clear water and white sand are top of the list
- you want a package that sorts out the boat, meals and snorkelling
- you'd rather take a short flight than a long drive
- the plan is mostly lying on the beach and snorkelling
The verdict
Redang has the classic white-sand beach and the simpler trip, which is why it books out first in the school holidays. Tioman is rougher round the edges, but there's far more to do on land and more freedom to wander; just remember the ferries follow the tide. Can't decide? Beach-and-snorkel groups should go Redang and divers and hikers Tioman, between March and October either way.